POMPEII HALF DAY

An earthquake in AD 62 which shook Pompeii and some of its buildings, was merely a prelude to the tragic day in AD 79, when Vesuvius erupted, engulfing the city and its inhabitants with a terrible storm of cinders and ash. When the remains of Pompeii were discovered in 1750 it looked as though a spell had been cast to freeze all life. The bodies of people were unearthed along with their houses, temples, works of art and everyday objects. The first archaeologists removed the most important finds, which became part of the royal collection and were then transferred to the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Come on a walking tour of this city and discover what remains, and what modern day archaeologists are still uncovering to this day. On route: House of Vetti carefully restored and its interior walls are adorned with splendid paintings. House of the Faun, the name comes from a bronze statue situated in the middle of the pond in one of the atria.

Via dell’ Abbondanza the liveliest street in Pompeii was lined with shops selling a wide range of goods. The Amphitheatre and Great gymnasium (80 BC) with a swimming pool in the middle are in an outlying area between the Nocera and sarno gateways. The Amphitheatre was used for gladiatorial combat and is the oldest one of its kind in existence.